Chaplaincy

The Franciscan Hospital for Children was founded in 1949 to provide care and rehabilitation for children with multiple disabilities. Today, we continue our dedication to the mission of providing quality and comprehensive services to children with special needs, from infancy to age 22.

As a Catholic hospital founded by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, we offer services in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, and welcome all people in an atmosphere of loving support and quality health care.

About

In keeping with the Hospital’s mission of healing, chaplains are available to respond to the needs of patients, families and the entire hospital community with caring presence. Chaplain services are available to all spiritual traditions, and representatives of other spiritual traditions from the community may be contacted through our office upon request. The chaplains are members of the interdisciplinary health care team caring for the children and families.

Chaplains Provide:

Spiritual support

Daily visits with patients and families

Assistance at the request of patients, families and staff

Contact with clergy of other faith groups at the request of families

Mass on the first Sunday of the month at 10:00 am

Mass in the Prayer Room (located on the first floor) every Monday at 12:00 noonThe Mass schedule is suspended during the summer months (June – August)

Interfaith Prayer Services every Wednesday at 11:30 am in the Prayer Room

Interfaith Prayer Services on special occasions

Memorial Services upon request

Arrangements for Catholic children to receive Sacraments, upon request

The chaplains are professionally trained in theology, pastoral care and counseling. Chaplaincy services are provided by board certified chaplains with some involvement from local clergy and graduate students from area theological schools.

If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Chaplaincy staff, you may enter a prayer in the Prayer Book, located on the table just inside the Prayer Room. Prayer requests are remembered at the Interfaith Prayer Service held on Wednesdays at 11:30 am, and at Mass on Mondays at 12:00 noon. Prayer Room is located on the 1st floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chaplains visit patients and families, and make themselves available to listen, encourage, counsel, and support patients and families as they deal with the difficulties of illness, injury, and hospitalization. They are a safe, accepting, caring presence that respects each patient and family and their chosen spiritual and/or religious resources.

Chaplain interventions may include listening, comforting, spiritual counseling, praying, providing religious literature, or accessing particular religious practitioners. Interventions are determined by the wishes and preferences of the patient and/or family.